This morning we discuss why Moshe chose these twelve men to spy out the land, instead of the 12 Princes of each tribe (Nessiim), who were mentioned before. We Share the insight of Rabbi Dov Zev Weinberger in Shemen HaTov, that Moshe wanted to avoid "group think," to avoid being advised by a group who was used to consensus. Consensus is great for harmony, but disastrous for deciding an important question, when diverse and varied opinions are needed. Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, and Eugene Borowitz all help us see this more acutely, and point out the danger (which today is more dangerous than ever) of a leader surrounded by sycophants.

Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship.

Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on:

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/adathyoutube

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/

Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha:

Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches1

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches3

Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches4

Please contact Rabbi Whitman ([email protected]) with any questions for feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.